Carl L. Hamilton

Obituary Carl (Duke) LaGrange Hamilton was born August 1, 1923 to Arthur and Katherine Hamilton in Middletown, NY. He was the 2nd oldest of three children and grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island. Duke was 6 years old when the depression hit. His father, a carpenter by trade, taught Duke and his older brother Mahlon the importance and necessity of hard work. By the end of the depression, he had already been taken out of school in order to help support the family. In addition to helping his father in the carpentry business, Duke also worked at Bills Garage in Valley Stream. During his time at the garage, Duke discovered he had a knack for mechanics and machinery. This led to him getting a job at Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage, Long Island at the start of WWII. In 1944, Duke enlisted in the Army Air Corp, sold his car, bought a motorcycle and began a cross country trip to San Francisco, CA, his 1st duty station. He served on Guam as a sergeant in the motor pool. After the war, he returned to Long Island and resumed working at Bills Garage. During that time he met his future wife Doris and they were married in 1948. In 1955 Duke and Doris welcomed their 1st child, Neil. They would later have a daughter, who was born pre-mature and did not survive. Duke continued to work as a mechanic until he eventually opened his own automotive shop, D&D Auto, with his partner Warren (Ducx) Steinert. Duke also discovered he had a keen mind for business. In the early 70s, D&D Auto purchased the adjoining property on Sunrise Hwy and they incorporated, becoming Warren and Duke Automotive, Inc. In addition to his interest in automobiles, Duke also loved aviation, an interest he shared with his brother. This led to him getting his private pilots license in 1971 and joining the Antique Airplane Club of Greater New York. He purchased a 2-seater Cessna, then later upgraded to a 4-seater. He and Doris loved to fly up and down Long Island, New Jersey and the New England Area meeting with other members of the club for lunch and outings. Duke had a wonderful zest for life. However, in December of 1983, his beloved wife, Doris, lost her battle with cancer, he was devastated. He retired 2 years later and soon after sold his home in Valley stream and moved to Brattleboro, VT. He continued flying his Cessna, but when the FAA changed the regulations on instrumentation, he sold his aircraft. While living in Vermont, he started dating long time friend, Blanche Higley, who he previously met through his sister, Katherine. They soon moved in together and continued to live in the Vermont/New Hampshire area. In May of 2012 and in failing health, he moved to Peyton, Colorado to be with his son, daughter-in-law, Ann and granddaughter, Tasha. They were blessed to be together for these last 3 years. Duke died on February 1, 2016 surrounded by his family and is survived by his son, Neil, grandchildren, Erik and Tasha. He is also survived by his nephews & niece, Jon, Lisa, Joel and Paul and their children. Thank you, Duke, for living large, laughing easily, loving us deeply and giving of yourself so generously. Everyone who ever met you, commented on your quick, dry wit, piercing blue eyes and sweet demeanor. Dad, you will be greatly missed. Our lives will be dimmer now that you are gone. Services Cappadona Funeral Home 1020 E Fillmore St Colorado Springs, CO 80907